Easter is approaching and hundreds of traditions that each year much of the Colombian population celebrate with much enthusiasm are coming. While for some people these holidays have a spiritual meaning, for others these are the perfect time for relaxing with their family and heading out to travel around their wonderful country.

Colombia has several tourist destinations which are specially filled with travelers at Easter, but some of them are recognized worldwide for their impressive celebrations in their cozy streets and breathtaking Catholic churches. For these holidays, which this year are held from March 20th to March 26th, our recommended sites are:

1. Popayán

Besides being known as one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Colombia, the Easter celebration of this city was declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009. The mystic atmosphere of censed streets illuminated by errant candles and the murmur of sacred songs, generate images that many photography lovers tirelessly capture. This event, combined with others that are performed on Popayán are the best option to visit during these dates. While enjoying the attractions of this city, take the opportunity to taste delicious dishes of Payanes cuisine, which is famous throughout Colombia for its empanadas, tamales and soups.

2.Mompox

Mompox is one of the most fascinating and cherished destinations in Colombia for two main reasons: first, it was a very important city during the colonial and libertarian era, and second, its location on a river island in the Magdalena has made its ancient and dynamic calm architecture remain over time.

The peculiarity of this city is that it keeps a very old tradition in which the faithful people offered valuable jewels to Christ, the Virgin and other saints to get forgiveness of their sins. Today, the jewels are a kind of loan to adorn the figures that parade in processions during the Holy Week. When going there, do not miss the beautiful Municipal Cemetery and Plaza de la Concepción, where you will surely want to spend a couple of evenings near the river while having dinner and enjoying a cold drink .To reach Mompox, you must travel to Cartagena and then take a bus which takes you there in about eight hours. The ride is a little long, but each second invested will be rewarded.

3. Ipiales

One of the most charming places of this Ipiales, perhaps the most important, is the famous Santuario de Las Lajas, which is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of Colombia. The construction of this building began in the eighteenth century as a temple on the slopes of Guaitara River, and over the centuries it became an impressive architectural work of about 50 meters high which convenes hundreds of devotees, both Colombian and Ecuadorian, each year. Santuario de Las Lajas is located about 15 minutes far from town and although visitors increase during Easter, a lot of people make the long descent to visit it these days.

4.Buga

This Vallecaucana city is one of the most important religious destinations in Colombia, because it is the home of Basilica del Señor de los Milagros, which was built in the late nineteenth century and welcomes pilgrims from different countries. For candy lovers, Buga is a fascinating destination due to its important sugar plantations around the production of sweets and desserts that has been diversified in an extraordinary way. To reach this place, you must travel to Cali or to Pereira and then take the road for a little bit more than an hour.

5. Tunja

Tunja is a colonial destination which keeps hundreds of secrets in its buildings and ancient streets. Many of its stories are returned from the past when they are told and interpreted by faithful people during the Easter celebration. This Boyacense city, which is well-known for being high and very cold, is one of the most acclaimed destinations during the Holy Week. In 2013, the festivities at Tunja were declared as Cultural Heritage Department, because they reinforce the identity of a region that enacts strong Colombian traditions. Once there, you can take a couple of days to walk around in order to find small Boyacense villages that are famous for the friendliness of its people, artful crafts and tasty food.